Ebook
Multi-denominational congregations offer rich soil for new interpretations of what it means to be a church. These parishes have chosen to covenant together for worship, service, ministry, mission, and nurturing of faith across two or more denominational traditions. Daring to Share tells their stories, investigates their practices, and proposes a fresh vision of church for the twenty-first century. This book equips ordained and lay leaders for the formation and flourishing of such ministries. It describes five models of partnership, analyzes the parish life cycle, interprets how worship works, addresses constitutional and governance issues, and reflects theologically on the intersection of diversity and unity. What can we learn from these congregations? Studying their particular witness, struggles, and promise for the future fills a gap in both congregational studies and contemporary ecclesiology. Multi-denominational parishes are more than a convenient way to revitalize congregational ministry. They present new opportunities and approaches for sharing the gospel. Ecumenical convergence meets demographic realities to suggest a mission strategy that will transform local practice and, perhaps, the church itself. By daring to share, these churches challenge a fractured world.
“The work of Beardsall, Budde, and McDonald casts
a valuable spotlight on imaginative Christian congregations
and provides a welcome update to the literature of a bold
ecumenical enterprise on the ground. It is a practical guide for
people who want to try the experiment of multiple denominational
churches, a critique of some of the real difficulties, and an
inspiration through stories.”
—Alyson Barnett-Cowan, President, Canadian Council of
Churches
“Throughout church history, Christians have been creative in
ministering to the needs of people. . . . In Daring to
Share, the authors—Beardsall, Budde, and McDonald—advocate on
behalf of a growing trend among Christians, namely, churches
sharing in ministry. . . . The authors draw upon interviews with
church leaders about real-life experiences of congregations sharing
resources for ministry.”
—Don Thorsen, Azusa Pacific University Seminary
Sandra Beardsall is Professor of Church History and Ecumenics at
St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, Canada. She is a member of the
Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of
Churches.
Mitzi J. Budde is Head Librarian and Professor at Virginia
Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. She is co-editor of
Thinking Theologically about Mass Incarceration
(2017).
William P. McDonald is Professor of Religion and Department Chair
at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tennessee. He is the
author of Christian Catechetical Texts (2011).
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